STARLINK-2500 (48485)

COSPAR: 2021-040BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2500

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48485

International Designator

2021-040BK

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:16:44 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

13.50°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

79.34°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2500

Alternative Name

Starlink 2500

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48485U 21040BK  26184.80329019 -.00000556  00000-0 -61696-5 0  9990

2 48485  53.1607  13.5030 0000558  79.3351 280.7713 15.31702541284259

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2500 satellite, also known as Starlink 2500 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-040BK, was launched on May 9, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's payload includes Ku/Ka-band communication systems (all) along with optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), and it uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. It was manufactured by SpaceX and falls under the Starlink constellation, designed to facilitate global internet coverage through a network of satellites.

Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

2.8

Span

Dry Mass

248

Launch Mass

260

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink V1.0-L27-58

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starlink

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Krypton ion thrusters

Equipment

Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

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Longitude

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